The 10 happiest US states in 2026 revealed
The 10 happiest states in the US have been named — and one palm-lined paradise has taken the top spot.
A study, conducted by WalletHub, compared all 50 states across three categories: emotional and physical well-being, work environment and community and environment, and evaluated them using 30 relevant metrics.
This included things like career wellbeing, physical health, safety, and economic security.
Each metric was then graded on a 100-point scale, with a perfect 100 equating to pure, unbridled happiness.
While none achieved full marks, the winning state did pass with flying colours when it came to the overall score, and we’re not surprised in the slightest.
Curious to find out where the most contented people in America reside? Here’s a lowdown on the top 10 happiest states.
10. Idaho — 58.31
At number 10 is Idaho, the northwestern state famous for its mountainous landscapes, the most rivers of any state, and, of course, its vast potato production.
Idaho is also known for being an ‘outdoor’ state, with residents and visitors taking part in many recreational activities from hiking to skiing.
In terms of the happiness study, Idaho ranked second place for both the work environment and community and environment categories. It also ranked first for income growth — as of 2025, the state is currently ranked seventh in the United States for its economic outlook.
9. Massachusetts — 59.19
Just in front of Idaho is Massachusetts, a state in the New England region. With a highly educated workforce, world-class universities (including Harvard), and a strong financial sector, it’s consistently ranked as one of the wealthiest states in the US.
There’s a lot going for Massachusetts activity-wise, too. Perhaps the most famous attraction is walking Boston’s 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, which connects 16 major Revolutionary War-era historic sites.
There’s also the Cape Cod National Seashore, a public beach that boasts 40 miles of pristine sand, marshes, ponds, and uplands.
8. New Hampshire — 59.56
Next up, and staying in New England, is New Hampshire, which borders Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine to the east and the Canadian province of Quebec to the north.
Defined by the Appalachian Mountains (specifically the rugged White Mountains), dense forests, glistening lakes, and vibrant autumn foliage in the fall, it’s widely considered one of the most beautiful states.
New Hampshire came second in the safety rankings, suggesting that the region as a whole is considered an unthreatening place to live.
7. California — 60.09
California… Otherwise known as the home of Hollywood, a global tech hub, and brimming with beautiful beaches and iconic landmarks. May we direct you to the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite National Park, the Hollywood Sign, Santa Monica Pier, etc. etc.
Coming in at number seven, there are many reasons residents love living here. As per the study, California ranks fifth for the least depressed state and it comes with the fewest working hours.
However, the latter is perhaps influenced by the fact that Cali received the worst score (coming in at number 50) for long-term unemployment rates, so it’s not all good news.
6. Utah — 61.12
Many people visit Utah for its ‘Mighty Five’ national parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef.
The Red Rock County is also visually known for its desert landscape, and epic canyons and formations — particularly in the south, from Moab to Monument Valley.
Utah is also known as the ‘Greatest Snow on Earth,’ thanks to it being a premier skiing destination. This is due to its high elevation and dry climate, which forms light, powdery snow.
There are many other reasons people are happy, too. The study revealed that Utah is the fifth safest state and the state with the lowest divorce rate.
Plus, it has the highest volunteer rate and the fewest work hours of all 50 states. It also has the highest sports participation rate. Utah has a lot going for it.
5. Connecticut — 62.53
Back to New England again, specifically to the south in Connecticut. Home to prestigious universities like Yale and the iconic lobster roll, scenery-wise, it’s all about coastlines and forests.
The state came in at fifth in the fewest work hours, but also ranked 47th for the lowest income growth.
4. New Jersey — 63.42
Let’s talk about New Jersey — from its famous Jersey Shore boardwalks (Atlantic City, anyone?), to being the ‘Diner Capital of the World’ (it boasts the highest concentration of diners per capita), the state is also a stone’s throw from NYC and Philly, two popular US cities.
Blending urban and suburbia, New Jersey hits that sweet spot of mixing bustling city life and chiller vibes.
New Jersey came out with the second-lowest divorce numbers and the overall lowest state for rates of depression.
Of course, with the positive comes the negative. New Jersey was let down by its long-term unemployment rate, coming in at 49 out of 50 in the rankings.
3. Nebraska — 63.61
Into the top three now, and it’s Nebraska in the Midwest that takes bronze.
Nebraska is the home of the Sandhills, the largest dune formation in the Western Hemisphere, which covers one-quarter of the state. The area is defined by over 1,500 wetlands and lakes, as well as the Niobrara National Scenic River. The Niobrara River Valley has over 230 waterfalls.
The state also features the largest hand-planted forest in the Western Hemisphere.
But how did it do on the happiness charts? Nebraska has the fourth-highest volunteer rate and the third-lowest long-term unemployment rate.
Elsewhere, the state came fourth for adequate sleep rate.
2. Maryland — 64.13
Just missing out on the top spot is Maryland, the Mid-Atlantic state famed for its waterways and coastlines on the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean.
It’s known for its iconic blue crabs, the historic port city of Baltimore, and being the birthplace of the national anthem.
It’s also under an hour away from Washington D.C., so a perfect base for exploring some of the most iconic parts of the states.
1. Hawaii — 65.50
The happiest state in the US is officially Hawaii.
With pristine beaches, lush rainforests and valleys, and epic lava deserts, the 50th state also enjoys approximately 271 days of sunshine, with year-round warm, tropical weather.
Some areas, particularly the Big Island, can experience 350 days of sun, alongside high temperatures — who else wants to escape here during the winter months?
As for its wins on the happiness front, Hawaii came second for the lowest rate of adult depression and fourth lowest for divorce rate.
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